Boys & Girls Clubs Names this Year’s “Face of Promise”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta Announced 2008-2009 Youth of the YearNovember 7, 2008
ATLANTA (Nov. 7, 2008) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) named Raymone Posey 2008-2009 Youth of the Year (YOY) during an awards ceremony and dinner held at the Marriott Marquis on Nov. 6.
Posey, 16, attends the Franklin Road Boys & Girls Club in Cobb County, where he has been a member for three years. He attends Marietta High School and wants to become an architect. He believes keeping a positive attitude is important. Posey has overcome adversities at a very young age but maintains his sense of pride and confidence that no matter the circumstances, he will succeed.
Youth of the Year, a year-round development program, honors Boys & Girls Club members as outstanding citizens and leaders. A panel of staff, community leaders and board members evaluate applicants for leadership qualities and activities through family, community, school and Club involvement. Additional criteria include demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles, essay writing, poise and public speaking.
He volunteers within his Club and community and says, “I’ve received so many blessings in life that it only makes sense to give back to the less fortunate. If life can show you the slightest love, you can make your future lovable.”
“This year’s theme was The Face of Promise,” said Jerry Tipton, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. “BGCMA is a place where PROMISE lives, and Raymone is our Face of Promise. He represents the wonderful kids we serve and the power the Clubs have in their lives. We are very proud of his accomplishments, and look forward to seeing him continue his positive path in school and in life.”
As Youth of the Year, Posey was awarded a $5,000 college scholarship. He wants to be the first in his family to graduate college. In spring 2009, he will compete for statewide YOY honors.
YOY finalists were Oskar Kigelman of Brookhaven, first runner-up and recipient of the $2,500 scholarship; Marion Fowler of Jesse Draper, second runner-up and recipient of the $1,500 scholarship; and Morgan Gort of Paulding County, third runner-up, and recipient of the $1,000 scholarship.
Rashan Ali of Hot 107.9 FM and media personality Arlen “Griff” Griffin emceed the gala event, with presenting sponsors Cartoon Network and Fiserv.
Learn more about Raymone in AJC Story.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF METRO ATLANTA
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta operates 30 Clubs in 13 metro counties in addition to Camp Kiwanis and Youth Art Connection, a gallery and workspace for young artists. A trained and professional staff serves more than 17,000 youth annually by offering specialized programming and a safe haven for at-risk and underprivileged children and teens. Memberships cost only $35 per school year but scholarships are available for those who need assistance. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org, a place where PROMISE lives.